Oxford Poetry: What the bird said early in the year

This poem isn't really appropriate for November, but today is the anniversary of C. S. Lewis' death, and it's lovely.

What the bird said early in the year
C. S. Lewis

I heard in Addison’s Walk a bird sing clear:
This year the summer will come true. This year. This year.

Winds will not strip the blossom from the apple trees
This year nor want of rain destroy the peas.

This year time’s nature will no more defeat you.
Nor all the promised moments in their passing cheat you.

This time they will not lead you round and back
To Autumn, one year older, by the well worn track.

This year, this year, as all these flowers foretell,
We shall escape the circle and undo the spell.

Often deceived, yet open once again your heart,
Quick, quick, quick, quick! – the gates are drawn apart.

The gates to Magdalen College deer park, just off Addison's Walk.